Hugo Chávez calls opposition leader a 'low-life pig' – video

The Venezuelan president has begun his re-election campaign by criticising the challenger, Henrique Capriles. Chávez spoke at a medical graduation ceremony in the Vargas province, where students were shown applauding and cheering his remarks. All radio and television stations in Venezuela were obliged to broadcast the speech live. Capriles won the opposition primaries with nearly 2m votes, a figure much higher than expected, which has jolted the government into trying to reduce his popularity